Monday, April 15, 2013

Blog Tour: The Only Exception by Magan Vernon

The Only ExceptionBy: Magan VernonPublished: April 9, 2013Beautifully Broken BooksEARC, 279 PagesSource: AuthorMature Content: 16+GR's Summary:**Due to sexual content and heavy subject matter, this book is recommended for ages 16+**

Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor's son, Trey Chapman.

No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.

A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good

The Only Exception was a deep, and meaningful story with a message about love, survival, and facing your fears head on! Initially, I was drawn to this story because of the sexy book cover, and the storyline sounded like a fun, and unique concept, different from anything I've read in the New Adult Contemporary Romance Genre. Monica Remy is a fierce liberal who is passionate about her politics. She comes from a middle-class background, and was in a Sorority. She went to a frat party, and got victimized. Instead of her "sister's" standing up for her, they turned against her and called her a slut. She transfers to her next school year to escape the boy that attacked her, and her so called friends. When she transfers, she swears off guys, and relationships. She is a Political Science Major, and is minoring in Women's Studies. At school she meets Trey Chapman, a staunch Republican, and the governor's youngest son. Monica is passionately opposed to all of Kirk Chapman's (Treys' father's) politics. Especially the contraception bill he passed where women cannot get the morning after pill for free, unless their insurance covers it. Meaning that the typical poor college student can't pay the $100 it costs to purchase the pill. Trey, and Monica are in a class together, and are also next door neighbors. On site, Monica does not like the good-looking, conservative guy who wears dress slacks and a button up shirt as his daily uniform. She assumes that he is just like his father, and is constantly pulled in to debating politics with him. Trey is fascinated by Monica's intelligence, strong opinions, and her ability to challenge him. Monica is taken by the fact that she can actually carry an intelligent conversation with Trey, and likes his thoughtfulness, and easygoing nature. Little by little, these two fall for one another, and become each other's one and only exception. I loved this story because if was meaningful, had a unique storyline, and I connected with the characters! The Only Exception was a story that made me think a lot, and contemplate what happened to Monica, and how she dealt with it. It sent a clear message, which was that when a woman is victimized, they don't deserve to be persecuted or blamed for what happened to them. Even if a woman goes to a party, wears a short skirt, a top that reveals cleavage, and gets drunk, it is not a free pass to attack them. If the woman says "NO," it means "NO." They shouldn't have to be shunned, called a slut, and be blamed. It is not their fault. Also, the victimizer needs to be held accountable for what they did, and the only way this will happen is if they are confronted, reported, and charges are pressed against them. Attempting to "run away" from what happened, will not bring closure or healing. Counseling, admitting what happened, and confronting your attacker are the only ways to be able to move forward. I liked these messages, and they made me think about how prominent rape is, where the rapist gets away with what they did. Ms. Vernon showed us how much strength and courage it takes to confront what happened, and that by doing this, the victim is taking back some of the power that was stripped away from them.The reason that I felt, The Only Exception, was unique was because many cliche's were avoided. Monica was more sexually experienced, where as Trey was the more inexperienced of the two. Also, I haven't read any New Adult books that discuss political parties or policies. I loved listening in to Monica and Trey's heated political discussions. They were both so passionate about their views, but respected one another's opinions. I enjoyed how they challenged one another, and while they both learned a little bit about compromise, and taking in each other's opinions, they still had their individual opinions, and did not take on the opinion's of their significant other. These debates turned up the passion and chemistry between these too. It was a turn on for both of them, and added to the sizzling chemistry that they already had! The pacing of the story was slow at first, but then, when it picked up, I could not put the book down!

Ms. Vernon created amazing characters! They were both down to earth, seemed like real people that I could relate to, and I was invested in their relationship, and wanted a happily ever after for both of them. Trey was a genuine guy. He was polite, well-mannered, a good friend, compassionate, supportive, and really cared about Monica. I pictured a well-dressed (because he always wore slacks, and button-up shirts,) good-looking, and polished "all-american golden boy." Monica was laid back in her casual jeans, and t-shirt. She had an eyebrow-piercing, was very outspoken about her opinions, and very stubborn. Ms. Vernon gave just enough detail for me to easily visualize both characters. Trey, and Monica both came from loving, caring, and supportive families. However, Trey had been brought up in privilege, with a home that was a mansion, servants that did everything, and an abundance of money. Therefore, he didn't have to work, his apartment was lavished with beautiful furniture, and he wore designer clothes. Monica, on the other hand, worked at a coffee shop to help her with her college expenses, shopped at the thrift store, and came from a hard working, blue-collar family. Even though these characters had vastly different upbringings, and political viewpoints, they fell in love, and became each others only exception.

The Only Exception, was an amazing story with depth, passion, learning to confront your fears, healing, and falling madly in love. I enjoyed reading this story, and was sad for it to come to an end. I will be on the look out for more New Adult Romances by Ms. Vernon. She has proven that she can offer something unique, and special to the New Adult Genre, and I for one, am looking forward to seeing what she write's next!

If you want a story full of passion, politics, and playful banter, this is the story for you! Also, you will enjoy a unique New Adult Contemporary Romance, that puts an end to cliches, and gives us a completely unique story that stands out from all the rest! If you are tired of the same storyline, just with different characters, this one is the exception to the rule! You will love it, and it will be a nice change of pace, along with all of the reasons that you enjoy reading New Adult Novels! I enjoyed reading about a strong, independent woman, that had her own opinions, (intelligent, and well researched ones) and spoke her mind! I recommend, The Only Exception to those of you who want to swoon, and still read a deeper story with a message behind it! I give, The Only Exception, by Magon Vernon, 4 Red, White, and Blue Sizzling Fireworks.

"I couldn't deny the butterflies that still fluttered in my stomach just thinking of him. I clutched my phone to my chest. My heart was leaning one way, but my mind would never forget the past. If I hated someone's politics, could I still fall for them?" (EARC, 79)

"If you don't say you'll be with me, I'm not sure what I'll do. I'd probably still send you flowers every day until you say you will. What you do to me is beyond anything I've ever experienced, and I don't want to go another day without being with you." (EARC 101)

"I'd never been so angry that I would actually punch a guy, until last night. It showed me that I could actually have pure, unadulterated passion in my life and not just believe in something because it's one of the principles I've been raised on." (EARC, 176)

"I love you, Monica Remy. You're the only girl I've ever fallen so hard for. I never thought I'd love a bleeding-heart liberal with facial piercings, but you are truly the only exception." (EARC, 177)

"He really got me. He tried to make me a better person even when I was reluctant. He really was my exception to every rule." (EARC, 253)

Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. She is in a very serious, fake relationship with Adam Lambert and constantly asks her husband to wear guyliner. He still refuses. She also believes her husband is secretly an alien, disguised as a southern gentleman.

Monica was pretty easy because it was one of the names I wanted for my second daughter and my husband turned it down, so it became my character. Trey was a little harder. His name was originally Tag and then I found out that was the name of a conservative governor's son, so that was changed quickly.

Great question! That one was hard since I'm pretty strong in my beliefs. One of my critique partners said that I really had to show both sides and I had to agree that it was the best way to do it, so I researched what people had to say that were for and against the issues. The more I read about the other side, the more I actually started to agree with it (which I never thought would happen).

People that I actually know, the professors were actually based off some of my professors in college, but Trey and Monica and their friends are completely fictional. Trey was a mixture of Schmidt from New Girl and a little bit of some guys from my political science classes.

I actually blogged about this over at USA Today, it's kind of a funny story. Well, not that funny. For years I've kind wanted to write something with a liberal girl and a conservative guy, but nothing really came into fruition. It was during election season that the show "New Girl" did an episode in which Schmidt pretended to be Mitt Romney's son and it put the idea in my head "What if the governor's son was living next door?" From there came the idea and I just couldn't stop writing.

I'm glad you enjoyed my review. I always enjoy reading excerpts, because they give you a glimpse into what the book is about, the author's writing style, and whether or not it is your type of read. Megan is hosting the giveaway, so we are very thankful to her for her kindness to our followers.

I couldn't imagine dating someone with opposing political views, until I read this book! Then I saw, well it can be frustrating at times, it sure did bring a lot of passion, intelligent conversation, and critical thinking to the main characters involved. Plus, eventually, Trey starts to see a few things Monica's way, which I loved him for. I'm glad you liked my review. I really did enjoy this book a lot, and I know you will too!